Five days after his first victory in this edition of Tirreno-Adriatico, Jonathan Milan once again tasted the sweet taste of success. The race of the two seas had not been smooth sailing for the Italian fast man, who had to overcome a crash and stomach discomfort earlier in the week. On the seventh and final stage, Lidl-Trek made sure Milan would have the chance to seek victory again. Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier set the pace before Toms Skujins chased down attacks, ready for Milan’s well-oiled leadout train to take over for the finish.
Milan benefitted from a friendly pull from compatriot Filippo Ganna, before Edward Theuns took to the front, leading Milan within sight of the finish line. As Theuns swung off, Milan powered into the open air and held off a challenge from Sam Bennett to win by a wheel-length. As well as celebrating the stage win, Milan’s victory also earned the Ciclamino jersey.
Jonathan Milan: “I’m super happy with this second win in Tirreno, I have to say always thanks to my teammates, they did a perfect leadout. It was a bit tough, also in the climbs, and I have to say that I suffered a bit, but I made it through to the finish line and I’m happy. I have to say sorry that Jasper [Stuyven] who crashed in the final, and I hope nobody [involved] is really bad. All in all it was a really good Tirreno, I’m really happy that we achieved this second victory after the crash that I had some days ago, and the last two days that were not so easy for me in the climbs. I’m happy, and now we will see.”
